Source: Pandolfo signed one-year deal with Bruins

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BOSTON -- After a month of skating and practicing with the team without a contract, the Bruins signed Jay Pandolfo to a one-year deal this week worth 600,000 according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Eyebrows were raised when Pandolfo traveled to Buffalo for his first road trip with the team last weekend, and it appeared something was imminent this week.

The 38-year-old former New Jersey Devils forward had been practicing with the Bruins on a professional tryout agreement since training camp, but things have progressed a bit since the Tim Thomas trade to the New York Islanders at the end of last week.

This has been the perfect situation for me. Im at home with my family and able to stay in shape while skating with the team, said Pandolfo, a Burlington native who lives in Winchester with his wife and kids. I wouldnt have done this if it were any other situation besides the one in Boston. The organization has been very up front with me about everything, and hopefully that leads to good things soon.

The Thomas deal freed up a contract for the Bruins, who will stand at 49 player contracts with the Pandolfo signing. (Each NHL team is held to a ceiling of 50 individual player contracts.)

The Bruins were hesitant to give up their organizational flexibility by signing Pandolfo to the organizations 50th player contract, but that was no longer an issue after jettisoning Thomas. Its unknown if Pandolfo will head down to Providence to play in a few AHL games if he clears waivers. He was placed on waivers Tuesday.

Pandolfo had three points in 62 games for the New York Islanders last season, and represents ideal forward depth. He's a player capable of playing a bottom-six role and killing penalties while also providing the leadership that comes along with winning a pair of Stanley Cup titles in Jersey.

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